Government calls for integration of health services to strengthen healthcare system

The Government has called on stakeholders to integrate health services into a unified system to strengthen and consolidate effective healthcare delivery.

Dr. Charles Olaro, the Director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, said integration is already underway, beginning with primary healthcare under one management framework.

Olaro made the remarks during the annual symposium of the Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau (UPMB) and stakeholders in Kampala on January 22, 2026, held under the theme “Integrated Systems for Sustainable Universal Health Coverage.”

He noted that the ministry expects all immunisable diseases to be managed under one roof, ensuring efficiency across all categories of care.

“The ministry is committed to building a resilient, efficient, and people-centred health system for all. Decentralisation and the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) should be aligned under one national vision, creating a strong foundation to improve on what used to be donor-driven programmes,” Olaro said.

He urged stakeholders to embrace integration as a strategic approach, reflect on its challenges, and reinforce collaboration to build a comprehensive healthcare system.

“We appeal to you to continuously engage and leverage the strength of the National Policy on Private Partnership in Health (PNFPs) with the Ministry of Health to support implementation of the national framework,” he added.

Addressing Financial Losses

Olaro acknowledged the challenges faced by PNFPs in advocating for health equity, influencing policy, and securing resources, particularly for priority programmes such as HIV and TB. He emphasized that PNFPs play a critical role in complementing government efforts by providing essential healthcare services in underserved areas.

He highlighted that PNFPs have strengthened the healthcare workforce, enhanced skills, and improved care quality, noting that collaboration in resource mobilisation could yield significant benefits.

Buldard Baguma, Executive Director of Joint Medical Stores (JMS), said PNFPs will help reduce financial losses from expired drugs through an improved supply chain system.

“With this innovation, we anticipate eliminating expired drugs from our shelves and ensuring timely availability of essential medicines,” Baguma said.

He added that JMS offers certain drugs at lower costs compared to other suppliers, and partnerships will enhance bargaining power, creating opportunities to negotiate with government on policies that hinder service delivery.

Baguma stressed the importance of universal coverage, particularly for vulnerable populations aged 0–59 months in both urban and rural communities.

“We need to increase drug volumes in the country through collaboration and resource sharing. This will help address financial pressures affecting the health sector,” he explained.

He cited Ngora Hospital as an example of successful intervention, noting that it has transformed into one of the best-performing hospitals in Uganda.

Baguma revealed that JMS has developed a 50-year strategy built on five pillars, focusing on customer-centricity to ensure health providers receive the right medicines in the right quantities and quality at the right time. He cautioned stakeholders to maintain proper records during drug distribution.

Joran Kahenano, UPMB Board Chairperson, emphasized that building integrity in healthcare is not the responsibility of a single entity, profession, or sector, but requires collective effort.